Introduction

Coconut macaroons have been a staple at Violet since the first day of our market stall. When I was auditioning for a spot on Broadway Market back in 2005, my dear friend Dakota was visiting from California. Typical of Californians, she is always looking for ways to eat well and stay healthy but she also loves a treat. At the time she was avoiding cakes made with flour and gluten and was obsessed with coconut macaroons. I wanted to make one that she would rate among the best and this was what I came up with. Now it's one of our most popular treats.

Makes 10 large macaroons

Easy

Ingredients

4

egg whites

250g

caster sugar

1/4 tsp

fine sea salt

1 tsbp

good honey

200g

unsweetened, dessicated coconut

1/2 tsp

vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C (fan)/gas3. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.

Measure out all the ingredients into a medium-sized, heavy-bottomed pan and place over a medium-low heat, stirring constantly. As the mixture starts to warm up, it will be easier to mix everything together. Reduce the heat to low and stir continuously until all the sugar has melted and the mixture starts to look like rice pudding.

Keep stirring until the mixture thickens and begins to dry out, keeping a careful watch to make sure it does not catch and scorch on the bottom.

Scoop individual portions of the mixture on to the lined baking tray, leaving enough space between each one so they have room to expand. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the macaroons are puffed and golden. Allow them to cool completely before serving or storing. These will keep well for up to 1 week in an airtight container.

More Recipes from The Violet Bakery Cookbook

This recipe is featured in

The Violet Bakery Cookbook from Claire Ptak. One of London's most popular bakeries comes to life in this stunning cookbook. Owner Claire Ptak uses her Californian sensibility to devise recipes that are both nourishing and indulgent.